In January 2025, a catastrophic firestorm swept across the Los Angeles basin, fueled by dry conditions, record-breaking wind gusts, and a dense accumulation of vegetation. The blaze moved at speeds surpassing 70 mph, overwhelming firefighting resources and triggering mass evacuations from hillside communities. For many Californians, it was a sobering reminder that no region is immune—especially those living in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI), where urban development meets flammable wildlands.

Just east of LA, Riverside County shares similar topography, climate conditions, and WUI challenges. The LA firestorm has heightened awareness among Riverside’s residents, many of whom now ask: Could it happen here?

Could Riverside County Experience a Similar Wildfire?

Yes—and in some respects, Riverside is even more vulnerable.

1. Abundant Fuel and Extreme Weather
   • The Santa Ana winds, notorious for accelerating wildfire spread in Southern California, routinely blast through Riverside County in the fall and winter months.
   • Extended drought and invasive grasses have created continuous fuels, particularly in areas like Temescal Valley, Banning Pass, and the Santa Rosa Plateau.
2. Rapid Growth in the WUI
   • Communities such as Murrieta, Menifee, Perris, and Lake Elsinore have expanded into the WUI without always integrating wildfire resilience into land use decisions.
   • As more homes are built in proximity to flammable vegetation, the risk of ignition, structure loss, and casualties rises.
3. Historic Precedent
   • Riverside has seen destructive wildfires in the past, including the Apple Fire (2020) and Holy Fire (2018). Both illustrated how fast-moving fires can displace thousands and disrupt entire regions.

MySafe:Riverside: A Local Force for Wildfire Preparedness

MySafe:Riverside, part of the broader Safe Community Project network, has emerged as a community-based public safety organization with a mission to empower Riverside County residents through education, planning, and preparedness.

What We’re Doing:

1. Home Hardening Outreach
   • MySafe:Riverside is educating homeowners on how to improve ember resistance through Zone 0 practices, including the removal of flammable materials within five feet of structures and the use of non-combustible building materials.
   • They’re providing free home assessments, especially for seniors and those with limited mobility.
2. Defensible Space Advocacy
   • The organization promotes Defensible Space Zone 1 and 2 clearance, ensuring that homeowners understand state and local vegetation management rules and how to comply safely.
3. CWPP and Community Engagement
   • MySafe:Riverside is supporting the development and implementation of Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) in partnership with local fire districts, HOAs, and neighborhood councils. A new CAL FIRE CWPP Toolkit will aid in the development of these plans.
   • They facilitate town halls, evacuation workshops, and youth education programs to build a culture of preparedness.
4. Technology and Alerts
   • Partnering with local agencies, they are helping improve evacuation planning, alert notifications, and situational awareness tools, especially in remote communities with limited infrastructure.

A Call to Action for Riverside County

The lessons from Los Angeles are clear: climate change is intensifying fire behavior, and traditional models of wildfire defense are no longer sufficient. For Riverside County, the time to act is now.

Key Recommendations:

• Update WUI zoning and building codes to mandate fire-resistant construction.
• Scale up funding for home retrofits, particularly for low-income residents.
• Support and expand MySafe:Riverside’s efforts as a trusted, community-facing partner in public safety.
• Promote collaborative regional planning, recognizing that wildfires do not respect jurisdictional boundaries.

The LA firestorm may have spared Riverside this time, but the threat is real and growing. With climate extremes becoming the norm, it’s no longer a question of if, but when. The communities that prepare today—through education, mitigation, and coordinated response—will be the ones that survive tomorrow.

MySafe:Riverside stands as a frontline ally in this fight, equipping residents with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to meet the wildfire challenge head-on.